Hilde's Blog

Hello!

My name is Hilde Bergrem and I am the norwegian ambassador. More specifically, I represent Svalbard on this expedition.

I live on the arctic island Spitzbergen, approximately 600 miles from the North Pole. It is is almost the size of The Republic of Ireland and 60% is covered in glaciers. The population of about 2500 people is a compilation of Norwegians, Thai, Swedes, Russians/Ukranians and every other corner of the world. Many different traditions and religions coexist in daily life. Norway has sovereignty of this group of islands, but anyone can come here to work, hunt, do research or exert natural resources. There are two settlements, the capital Longyear City and the Russian mining town Barentsburg.

During the 17^th and 18^th century people came here mainly due to the whaling industry and exploration. As time went on large amounts of coal reservoirs were discovered. This resulted in lots of miners staying here long periods at a time, eventually deciding to take their families with them. In short, that is why we are here today in a modern society, primarily based on coal mining, research laboratories and tourism, not to mention resourceful and adventurous people.

I lived here with my family until I was eleven, then moved to the central part of Norway for ten years before I came back here in august 2008. I work at the only grocery store on the island, which can be quite the logistical challenge given that everything is flown in or shipped by boat.

The vast and extreme nature of this arctic desert is a very special experience. If I am to move outside the tiny town to go on cabin trips etc, I carry a gun in case I meet a polar bear and I use a snowmobile. There are no roads.

The reason I signed up for this expedition is my love for travelling and meeting people. I also think the concept of the trip is quite interesting.

Looking forward to meeting you all!

Hilde